11/23/2023
November 23, 2023:
Happy Thanksgiving to all my USA friends & Worldwide friends!!
As you're warming up for Black Friday Shopping and Cyber Monday Shopping, pay close attention and follow these...:
Seven Simple Ways to Protect Yourself When Shopping Online:
1. Remember to only use trusted sites. Before, you enter your credit-card number, always look for the letter "s" at the end of the URL's "http." It should say "https://" before the rest of the site's address. In most browsers, an icon of a closed padlock will appear as well, either next to the URL or at the bottom of the screen.
The lock means it's an encrypted website. Without encryption, hackers can potentially access your information.
2. Don't be in a rush. Check the spellings: Make sure you're at the right URL and/or website domain name.
Many scam-based websites will look almost like the real thing. Sites with ".co" after them are often fake sites and may also have hackers lurking. They use "Fish & Bait" strategies to lure you.
And if you aren't familiar with a retailer's website, check for a designation from the Better Business Bureau and read some reviews from past customers before filling in your personal information.
3. You "MUST Shield" yourself: Many Internet shopping means the potential for pop-ups, spyware, phishing, malware, viruses, trojan, and others. Invest in a good malware-removal program and a good antivirus program. We use Sophos Cyber-Security programs for both our computers and mobile devices. Buy FULL Version and stay away from free trials--Peace of Mind worth more than millions of Dollars--ok.
4. Avoid the use of public "free" Wi-Fi. I know people like to get and use free stuffs-Right? Well, if you connect your computer or smartphone wirelessly, only use secure, password-protected Wi-Fi. If you have to use public Wi-Fi, avoid signing into your credit-card or bank accounts, or entering your credit-card information. These unsecured networks are far easier for hackers to crack.
NOTE: An expert and/or professional hacker like me can penetrate/break any password in a public domain or WiFi within 3 - 5 minutes, so be very careful and don't open networks.
Always conduct purchases on secured networks. For an easy guide on how to secure your home network system, read CNET's expert tips.
5. Always "Guard your password like a Hawk." Lots of websites offer "two-factor authentication, you may want to adopt and/or implement that." Two-factor authentication requires your password plus another piece of information – like a code sent to your e-mail or mobile device associated with your account – to log in to a website. I love using this feature and it's a "must have for me."
Listen! Many companies – including Google, Apple, and Microsoft – give you the option of using two-factor authentication, as do many banks, brokerages, and credit-card companies. And we just found out that Amazon has recently started using this as well. That's perfect timing for Cyber Monday.
PCMag also has a guide on how to set up two-factor authentication on some websites. You can read it at their website.
6. Use resell sites very carefully and/or cautiously: Sites where you can buy from third parties... like Amazon's marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay... can snag/offer you great deals. But anything with an "activation code" requires extra care when purchasing... I'd avoid them. Run like Ben Johnson...ok!
For example, gift cards can be a gamble. You don't really know if the full value is still on there. Do not do it.....very dangerous!!
7. Don't forget to monitor and always check your account. Print out the confirmation page on your computer and/or save the confirmation e-mail for future reference in case if you need to dispute any unfamiliar transaction(s).
Make absolute sure to check your credit-card statement to ensure the charges are correct. Check it the same day, again a week later, and a month later to ensure that extra charges didn't slip in after your initial purchase.
If it does, contact your bank or your credit card company immediately. Remember! Delay can be dangerous--ok! !
Please memorize, keep to heart and use these seven tips and be safe online than sorry!! Good luck!!!
From The Desk of The Network & Cyber-Security Expert:
Prof. & Engr. D. Ugwudiobi
Chairman, CEO.
National Security & Alarm Installers, Co. Ltd.
https://www.NationalSecurityAlarmInstallers.com
718-760-9305
National Security offers CCTV surveillance, Access Control, Home automation installation and troubleshooting in Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Staten Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, NY.
